Also, for locals: check with your local fire department. Sandy Hook FD is a volunteer FD and they were wiped out of office supplies during this tragedy. The State Police and FBI used all their supplies, so the local FD here in Falls Village is doing a drive. I think other departments are doing the same, but I'm not sure.

Edit: just checked, it's just our department. I can try and get more info if people want it.

I was dreading trying to explain Newtown to my own kids, one of whom is in first grade. It turns out that they already had heard all about it. My wife and I were talking about something in the car, and one of us mentioned that something was sad, and my 6-year-old son pipes up from the back seat: "What I'm sad about is that a bunch of kids got killed at their school."

I was dreading trying to explain Newtown to my own kids, one of whom is in first grade. It turns out that they already had heard all about it. My wife and I were talking about something in the car, and one of us mentioned that something was sad, and my 6-year-old son pipes up from the back seat: "What I'm sad about is that a bunch of kids got killed at their school."

Kids are much more perceptive then we give them credit for. They listen and in their own way, they process what they hear/see. Mine might be almost 19, but I try to hug him early and often. I love you can never be said enough.

"Why don't we call bills teds? Then they can go on excellent adventures." Dr. Incurable as he was going to pay for something.

Our five year-old daughter doesn't know, I don't think. Although she must know something is up, since we'd been crying so much for a while. Before we all go to visit in the new year, we'll have to explain of course. Our twenty month-old boy kept reaching up to my wife's face and wiping away the tears that Friday.

Update: the Wheelers have appointed a friend to be in charge of the donations going in to the family. This person has been asking people to donate to the Wheeler fund instead of being creative and giving them presents. (For instance, I'm part of a group who did theater with Nate and Ben's dad, Cole, back in the day and we were going to buy the family tickets to Hawaii to visit Cole's brother — which they've never been able to do. We were told not to do this.) So, I'm a little torn. I really think the PS3 would be something Nate would like, but they might just need the money.

I've read in several places (not here) about how the people in that area are all rich, intimating they don't need donations, but Cole and Francine are not wealthy by any stretch of the imagination. Cole is a designer in publishing (which is my fault) and Francine is a music teacher. They make just enough to get by. With the cost of the funeral and lost income, they might really be strapped for funds right now.

So, there's a possibility that instead of buying Nate a PS3 it might be best to give them money — and I'd transfer it directly to their donation page. If that was to happen, anyone who felt like they were being given the bait-and-switch, or already donated elsewhere, or for whatever reason wanted their money back, could PM me and I'd be glad to give your money back. The games/instruments I'll donate to the school library, unless people have another idea for them, or want them returned.

I've contacted the woman in charge of the Wheeler's donations and will see what she has to say. I will let you know as soon as I know. I'm also going to talk with Cole and get his thoughts if possible.

I'm sorry for the confusion. I perhaps should have just suggested we donate directly to the fund. I still want to do something nice for Nate, if possible, though.